ASBURY PARK, NJ — The Garden State Equality Action Fund Board has officially voted to endorse Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill as New Jersey’s next Governor following her decisive victory in the Democratic primary.
“As the LGBTQ+ community faces unprecedented attacks across the country from Donald Trump, we are clear-eyed about what is at stake for New Jersey,” said Jeannine Frisby LaRue, Board Chair of the Garden State Equality Action Fund. “Mikie Sherrill has proven herself as a champion and trusted partner who understands what’s at stake for LGBTQ+ New Jerseyans in this moment. We are proud to endorse her.”
Trump-endorsed Republican Jack Ciattarelli hasn’t been shy about rolling back LGBTQ+ protections. With federal anti-LGBTQ policies being reinstated — including bans on gender-affirming care, attacks on trans youth, and rollbacks of non-discrimination protections — New Jersey’s next Governor will play an outsized role in protecting LGBTQ+ residents.
“In every election, the stakes for LGBTQ+ people become more personal. In this election, we are not choosing between perfection and imperfection — we are choosing between progress and the real threat of regression,” said Lauren Albrecht, Director of Advocacy and Organizing for Garden State Equality. “While there are moments where we’ve engaged in honest dialogue with Congresswoman Sherrill around difficult federal votes, she has consistently remained a partner willing to listen, learn, and fight alongside us to protect LGBTQ+ New Jerseyans. That kind of leadership will be essential as federal threats escalate.”
“Sherrill has been a champion for non-discrimination protections, gender-affirming care access, and federal funding for LGBTQ+ youth services. She has stood with New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ families during some of the most challenging moments, and her record makes clear that she is prepared to defend New Jersey against far-right efforts to erode progress at the state level, Congresswoman Sherrill has demonstrated a commitment to moving equity forward at the federal level,” said Brielle Winslow-Majette, Deputy Director of Garden State Equality.
One of the most consequential powers of New Jersey’s Governor is the appointment of the Attorney General. Current Attorney General Matt Platkin has been a national leader in pushing back against Trump’s anti-LGBTQ actions, blocking harmful policies from taking root in New Jersey, and ensuring protections for trans youth, LGBTQ+ healthcare, and inclusive schools remain intact.
“The Attorney General’s office has been critical to defending New Jersey families from federal overreach,” said Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality. “The next Governor will decide who leads that fight — and we trust Mikie Sherrill to appoint leaders who will stand firm against attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, bodily autonomy, and basic civil liberties.”
The Garden State Equality Action Fund Board voted unanimously to make this early endorsement following extensive conversations with candidates, stakeholders, and partner organizations.